Western Cape MEC for Education Debbie Schäfer’s visit to three schools in Khayelitsha to assess readiness for the third term as well as engage teaching staff on challenges they experience was disrupted by taxi violence.
Her visit also come after some some learners and teachers were not able to attend on the first day of the term as a result of the violence.
Schäfer said there were some schools that had been affected by the taxi disruptions, which was highly regrettable given the amount of time that has been lost by schools.
She said for principals and teachers have shown dedication to their learners for choosing to work in such a challenging environment.
The MEC visited Joe Slovo High School in Khayalitsha, Injongo Primary School in C Section, and Intshayelelo Primary School in Ilitha Park.
Vanessa le Roux, founder of a group called Parents for Equal Education SA said Schäfer needs to become a more active player in negotiations on the taxi violence discussions.
Le Roux said this must be done for the sake of learners and educators in her province.
“We need to know from the department what their plan is to accommodate learners affected by this taxi violence and that they [those who missed work and tests] will be given another chance to rewrite,” said le Roux.
Adding that the MEC should realise her sector is heavily impacted by the ongoing taxi violence and that she must enter the table of negotiations with the appropriate stakeholders.
ANC provincial spokesperson on education Khalid Sayed said they would join the transport committee meeting on Thursday and demand that all stakeholders find a solution for the sake of learners and teaching staff.
He said it was unacceptable that teaching and learning was taking place in such circumstances.
Sayed said the other challenge faced by schools was that Covid-19 devastation which is very much still present.
“The Western Cape Education Department needs to give parents a greater sense of confidence that schools are ready.
